Bangladesh women cricketers not safe! High Court destroys BCB for inaction on sexual harassment allegations

The Bangladesh High Court has raised questions over the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) handling of player safety in women’s cricket after allegations of sexual harassment. Notably, the BCB has received an investigation report related to complaints raised by former Bangladesh captain Jahanara Alam.

In November 2025, Jahanara said that she faced repeated harassment during her playing days. In a YouTube interview, the former Bangladesh captain revealed that she received indecent proposals but chose not to speak publicly for years. She alleged that several officials tried to contact her through middlemen.

BCB Submit Investigation Report After Multiple Deadline Extensions

The Bangladesh Cricket Board set up an investigation committee to look into the allegations. Initially, the board formed a three-member panel led by Justice Tariq ul Hakim. The other two members were BCB director Rubaba Dowla and senior Supreme Court lawyer Sarwat Siraj Shukla.

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Later, the BCB added two more members, Naima Huq and Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan, to the committee. Speaking to Cricbuzz on Monday, Shukla confirmed that the committee has submitted its report to the board.

The BCB extended the deadline several times. On December 2, the board said it gave extra time after Jahanara requested more time to submit her written complaint, allowing an additional 15 days. On December 21, the BCB said the committee would submit its report by January 31.

Bangladesh High Court Questions BCB Over Women Cricketers’ Safety

On Monday, February 1, the Bangladesh High Court questioned the role of the BCB in ensuring a safe and gender-sensitive environment for women cricketers. The court asked why the failure of the board and other authorities should not be declared unlawful, without legal authority, and against public interest.

As reported by The Daily Star, the court also directed the BCB to immediately follow its anti-sexual harassment policy in line with earlier court guidelines. The board has been instructed to submit a report detailing the steps taken to implement these measures.

Notably, the order followed a writ petition filed by former national shooter Sabrina Sultana. The directive was issued by a High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar after hearing the petition.

BCB Under Increased Scrutiny After Court Order

According to Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board received the investigation report soon after the court passed its order. The board has not said whether it will make the report public.

This development has added to the challenges facing the BCB over the past few months. The board has been accused of acting under the influence of the central government, even in situations where its own players were reportedly not in agreement.

With court involvement and growing questions over transparency and player welfare, pressure is increasing on the BCB to explain its actions and restore confidence in its decision-making.

Also read: Bangladesh launch mini IPL, copy BCCI by scrapping A+ contracts after T20 World Cup boycott